Banna Strand Beach

Banna Strand is a magnificent stretch of golden, sandy beach that stretches for approximately 10 kilometres along the Kerry coastline, backed all the way by sand dunes, some of which reach a height of 12 meters. The beach sits in Tralee Bay, offering excellent views of Kerry Head to the north, the mountainous Dingle Peninsula to the south west, and Mucklaghmore Rock straight out to sea. 

Whilst walkers will find themselves in paradise in the dunes and along the wide, sandy beach, families will also particularly enjoy Banna Strand as it provides a perfect environment for building sand castles and for swimming. Lifeguards are on duty every day from June until August. Surfing is also popular, with a surf school located on the beach. There is a chance of spotting dolphins in the surf when looking out into the bay. 

A large car park can be reached by turning off the R551 at Banna Cross. It includes disabled spaces and the beach has disabled access down a short slipway.

 Behind the sand dunes are a number of holiday parks and a Leisure Centre. Further facilities can be found in the village of Ardfert, or slightly further in the town of Tralee. Tralee Golf Club sits at the southern end of the beach.

The beach has particular historical significance. It is where the rebel, Roger Casement landed in 1916 from a German U-boat after attempting to secure weapons from the Germans for the Easter Rising. Casement was caught and sentenced to death by the British government. His failed attempt inspired a rebel song named after the beach. Today, a memorial to him stands near the beach.